Thomas Benjamin Kennington 1856-1916

STRUCTURE The panel is sound and has one section of cradling along the left border. CATALOGUE COMPARISON The catalogue illustration is broadly representative. PAINT SURFACE There is light surface dirt to the painting with traces of fine craquelure throughout. This is only visible on close inspection however and does not affect the structure of the composition. There is an old surface crack corresponding with the aforementioned section of cradling. This has been sensitively and effectively restored. UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT Ultraviolet light reveals a vertical line of retouching off the right border corresponding with the section of cradling, further retouching to the sitter's hat, to the curtains, upper right and areas of infilling to craquelure off the left border. FRAME This picture is contained in a plaster gilt frame in fair condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present picture was painted c.1911. The same model appears in Kennington's Royal Academy exhibit of 1911 A Man of Letters in which she is dressed in the same white lace blouse and with her hair gathered in a distinctly Edwardian style. The setting for both pictures was probably Kennington's parlour at his London home on Netherton Grove off the Fulham Road and it is also possible that the model was the artist's daughter, Alice.